BI0BF1: Foundation Programme: Biology

Module code: BI0BF1

Module provider: School of Biological Sciences

Credits: 40

Level: Foundation Level

When you'll be taught: Semester 1 / 2

Module convenor: Dr Craig Hughes, email: c.e.hughes@reading.ac.uk

Module co-convenor: Dr Hyun Soon Gweon, email: h.s.gweon@reading.ac.uk

Pre-requisite module(s):

Co-requisite module(s):

Pre-requisite or Co-requisite module(s):

Module(s) excluded:

Placement information: NA

Academic year: 2024/5

Available to visiting students: No

Talis reading list: Yes

Last updated: 21 May 2024

Overview

Module aims and purpose

The module will provide the student with a solid foundation and understanding of animal and cell biological principles required for further study on science-based programmes.  It will also give an introduction to the analytical and practical skills appropriate to subsequent degree work.

Module learning outcomes

By the end of the module, it is expected that the student will be able to:

1. Describe the synthesis of biological molecules and their roles in the cell
2. Understand the cellular structure and organisation of both eukaryotes and prokaryotes
3. Explain the details regulating the physiology of the nervous, endocrine, excretory and circulatory systems
4. Describe the metabolic pathways which harvest energy (photosynthesis and respiration), and the synthesis of DNA and protein
5. Understand the principles that govern genetics, natural selection and evolution, and describe how genetic tools, such as cloning, are used
6. Work effectively as part of a group to collect and analyse data, and effectively communicate information to others (for example, by constructing a slideshow and accompanying oral presentation)

Module content

• The molecular structures of carbohydrates, lipids and proteins and their roles in living organisms
• Prokaryotic and eukaryotic cell structure and function
• The significance of bacteria, viruses, and eukaryotic parasites as disease organisms
• The link between cell diversity and function
• The structure and function of mammalian organs and systems, for example, the liver, kidneys and heart
• The structure and function of the nervous system and endocrine system
• Homeostasis
• The pathways which harvest energy for the cell (photosynthesis and respiration)
• DNA replication
• Protein synthesis
• Genetic mechanisms of inheritance
• Darwin's Theory of Natural Selection and Evolution
• Cloning and the use of genetic tools
• Analyse and interpret data from practical work

Structure

Teaching and learning methods

This module is designed to mirror the delivery of Part 1 modules in SBS.

Weekly lectures introduce students to the principles of the subjects studied. This is expected to be enhanced by significant additional study by students to review lecture material and include background reading.

Practical classes in each semester will introduce students to biological laboratory work, provide experience in gathering and analysis of data. Data analysis and interpretation will be integrated into the assessment.

In the second semester students will undertake a research and presentation project which will allow students to work in groups and provide an opportunity to present their work to their peers and academics. This will also afford students the chance to provide peer feedback.

Study hours

At least 40 hours of scheduled teaching and learning activities will be delivered in person, with the remaining hours for scheduled and self-scheduled teaching and learning activities delivered either in person or online. You will receive further details about how these hours will be delivered before the start of the module.

Please note the independent study hours above are notional numbers of hours; each student will approach studying in different ways. We would advise you to reflect on your learning and the number of hours you are allocating to these tasks.

Semester 1 The hours in this column may include hours during the Christmas holiday period.

Semester 2 The hours in this column may include hours during the Easter holiday period.

Summer The hours in this column will take place during the summer holidays and may be at the start and/or end of the module.

Assessment

Requirements for a pass

Students need to achieve an overall module mark of 40% to pass this module.

Summative assessment

Penalties for late submission of summative assessment

The Support Centres will apply the following penalties for work submitted late:

Assessments with numerical marks

• where the piece of work is submitted after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): 10% of the total marks available for that piece of work will be deducted from the mark for each working day (or part thereof) following the deadline up to a total of three working days;
• the mark awarded due to the imposition of the penalty shall not fall below the threshold pass mark, namely 40% in the case of modules at Levels 4-6 (i.e. undergraduate modules for Parts 1-3) and 50% in the case of Level 7 modules offered as part of an Integrated Masters or taught postgraduate degree programme;
• where the piece of work is awarded a mark below the threshold pass mark prior to any penalty being imposed, and is submitted up to three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline), no penalty shall be imposed;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension to the deadline): a mark of zero will be recorded.

Assessments marked Pass/Fail

• where the piece of work is submitted within three working days of the deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): no penalty will be applied;
• where the piece of work is submitted more than three working days after the original deadline (or any formally agreed extension of the deadline): a grade of Fail will be awarded.

The University policy statement on penalties for late submission can be found at: /cqsd/-/media/project/functions/cqsd/documents/qap/penaltiesforlatesubmission.pdf

You are strongly advised to ensure that coursework is submitted by the relevant deadline. You should note that it is advisable to submit work in an unfinished state rather than to fail to submit any work.

Formative assessment

Formative assessment is any task or activity which creates feedback (or feedforward) for you about your learning, but which does not contribute towards your overall module mark.

Semester 1, Teaching Week 8: Practical 1 - a BB test focussed on data analysis from the practical class, 10 questions.

Semester 2, Teaching Week 12: Practical 4 - a proforma report focussed on data analysis from the practical class, draw an evolutionary tree.

Reassessment

Additional costs